Weighted beach towel

ABSTRACT

A weighted covering resistant to uplift. The weighted covering includes a central area and a periphery where a plurality of weights which may be permanently affixed are disposed to resist uplift of the weighted covering. The plurality of weights may be configured and arranged about the periphery so as to not substantially impinge on the central area. In an embodiment, the weighted covering comprises a washable beach towel and/or blanket with a central portion of a substantially soft absorbent material. The plurality of weights may include of a relatively soft heat resistant material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/082,771, filed Jul. 22, 2008, and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of towels and covers. More particularly the present invention relates to weighted towels and covers for outdoor use, including a beach towel or blanket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include inter alia concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Various conventional covers, blankets or towels of different shapes and sizes are known. Such mats or covers are often constructed of a cloth material and are relatively light weight. These blankets or towels may be placed on a surface such as the ground or other structure, including a table, e.g., a picnic table, or chair. Often, these cover, which may be in the form of a blanket or towel may be placed on a surface comprising sand or grass in a beach or other outdoor setting. At other times, a blanket or towel may be placed on a surface proximate a pool or other location. The blanket or towel may be used as a cover over the underlying surface or structure that one or more persons may sit upon or recline. The blanket or towel might also be used as a tablecloth or a cover for another surface or portion thereof.

Covers, blankets and towels, which often have a high surface area to weight ratio, that are placed outdoors are susceptible to uplift under ambient wind conditions. Even a wind of moderate velocity may move and/or manipulate a cover, towel or blanket. When the surface of the blanket, towel, or other cover is unoccupied by a person or one or more objects of relatively substantial mass, a portion may be displaced by ambient wind conditions. An unexpected increase in the wind may pick up the blanket, towel or cover and move it from its desired location. Even when occupied, its edges may rise, flap, or otherwise move in response to the wind, which may cause inconvenience and/or annoyance.

Various improvements to outdoor mats and covers have been developed in order to resist the effects of ambient wind conditions in order to maintain orientation and/or position. For example, blankets and or towels that accept stakes or other anchors that may be inserted into the ground have been developed. However, these systems may be difficult or impossible to install on hard surfaces or structures such as tables and chairs and may be ineffective in soft ground conditions. Other approaches have included ropes or tie downs that may be coupled to the towel or cover and to a structure or anchor. However, these systems may not work in various environments where an acceptable anchor point is unavailable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a weighted cover configured for outdoor or indoor use that may be placed on a surface and is resistant to movement and uplift caused by ambient environmental conditions, including wind. In a particular embodiment, the cover may comprise a beach towel comprising a cloth central portion and includes a plurality of weights disposed about its perimeter to maintain the position of the beach towel and resist uplift due to wind. Where the weighted cover is rectangular in shape, the plurality of weights are preferably disposed at each of the corners of the weighted cover. In various embodiments, one or more additional weights may be disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of the weighted cover. Each of the weights is preferably permanently affixed to the cloth cover and comprise a heat resistant and relatively soft material. Where the weighted cover is a beach towel, the cover may comprise a relativity soft and absorbent material, such as terry cloth.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a weighted cover for outdoor use. The weighted cover comprises a cover defining a first face, a second face and a periphery. The cover may be made from a substantially absorbent material. At least a portion of one of the first face and the second face may be selectively positionable on a surface. A plurality of weights are operatively connected to the cover proximate the periphery of the cover. One or more pockets are formed proximate the periphery, and each of the pockets is configured to retain one or more of the plurality of weights and to permanently affix each of the plurality of weights to the cover. The plurality of weights attached to the cover substantially prevent uplift of the cover from the surface as a result of wind impinging on the cover.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a weighted rectangular beach towel. The beach towel comprises a fabric of a substantially absorbent material defined by a first face, a second face and a periphery. A corner weight is permanently affixed to the towel at each of the corners and is disposed on at least one of the first face and the second face. Each of the corner weights comprises a relatively soft, heat resistant material and of a mass that substantially prevents uplift of the beach towel from an underlying surface. In various configurations, each of the corner weights comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion operatively coupled to the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion is captured in an opening disposed in the fabric, and wherein the first portion is disposed opposite the first face and the second portion is disposed opposite the second face. In other configurations, each of the corner weights include an opening configured to receive a portion of the fabric.

These and other advantages and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a weighted cover showing exemplary locations of a plurality of attached weights according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the weighted cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-section view of a corner of the weighted cover of FIG. 1 through line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a corner weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-section view of a portion of the periphery of the weighted cover of FIG. 1 through line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a side weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a weighted cover showing exemplary locations of a plurality of attached weights according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the weighted cover of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-section view of a corner of the weighted cover of FIG. 7 through line 9-9;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a corner weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a detailed cross-section view of a portion of the periphery of the weighted cover of FIG. 7 through line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a side weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of a weighted cover showing exemplary locations of a plurality of attached weights according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the weighted cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a detailed cross-section view of a corner of the weighted cover of FIG. 13 through line 15-15;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a corner weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a detailed cross-section view of a portion of the periphery of the weighted cover of FIG. 13 through line 17-17;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a side weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of a weighted cover showing exemplary locations of a plurality of attached weights according to still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the weighted cover of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a detailed cross-section view of a corner of the weighted cover of FIG. 19 through line 21-21;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a corner weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a detailed cross-section view of a portion of the periphery of the weighted cover of FIG. 19 through line 23-23; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a side weight of the weighted cover of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-6 show a weighted cover 10 constructed in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. The weighted cover 10 defines a central portion 11 and a periphery 19. At least the central portion 11 comprises a substantially conforming material, for example, a fabric or flexible plastic. The central portion 11 includes a first face 15 and a second face 17. The weighted cover 10 may be selectively positioned on a surface (not shown) such that at least a portion of the first face 15 and/or the second face 17 are in contact with the surface.

The weighted cover 10 may include one or more pockets 14. In an embodiment, the one or more pockets 14 are preferably disposed proximate to and about the periphery 19. As shown in FIG. 2, the pockets 14 are disposed on the second face 17. However, in other embodiments, the pockets 14 can be disposed on one or more of the first face 15 and the second face 17. With reference to FIG. 3, each of the one or more pockets 14 is configured to receive a weight. The weights may comprise one or more corner weights 12 that are independent or may be operatively coupled to each other. The one or more pockets 14 couple the one or more corner weights 12 to the central portion 11, thereby forming the weighted cover 10. In the depicted embodiment, each of the corner weights 12 is substantially hidden from view when the second face 17 of the weighted cover 10 is located on a surface. Still further, each the corner weights 12 is configured so as to only impede on a small portion of the surface area of the weighted cover 10. When the weighted cover 10 is positioned on a surface, the corner weights 12 assist in maintaining the orientation of the weighted cover 10. Accordingly, the weighted cover 10 is resistant to uplift and movement that may be caused by ambient conditions, including wind.

In various embodiments, the weighted cover 10 may comprise a beach towel, beach blanket or similar article. At least the central portion 11 may comprise a substantially soft and absorbent material, for example, terry cloth or other material as may be typically used in such articles. In this embodiment, the weighted cover 10 may be particularly appropriate for use in a beach environment, pool, boat, or other outdoor location. The configuration of the corner weights 12, integral with the towel, permit the weighted cover 10 to be placed on practically any surface or structure, including sand, grass, wood, concrete, a chair, lounge chair, etc, without stakes, tie downs or other coupling mechanisms while resisting uplift and movement that may be caused by ambient conditions. Additionally, the weighted cover 10 may be washed in a conventional washing machine without having to remove the corner weights 12. In a particular embodiment, the corner weights 12 are permanently affixed to the central portion 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the weighted cover 10 can comprise a beach towel that is rectangular in form, however, the weighted cover 10 may be constructed in other shapes, including a circle, oval, polygon and freeform configurations. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, proximate each of the four corners of the central portion 11, is disposed a pocket 14 with a corner weight 12 disposed therein. In a preferred embodiment, each of the corner weights 12 is of a mass that substantially prevents uplift from a surface due to wind, regardless of whether the weighted cover 10 is occupied by one or more persons or articles. Still further, the corner weights 12 may comprise a heat resistant and/or relatively soft material, including various rubber materials. The corner weights 12 take up little area in relation to the entirety of the beach towel. With reference to FIG. 3, the corner weights 12 may be affixed to the underside of the beach towel by being pocketed between the central portion 11 and another piece of cloth and/or a portion of the central portion wrapped underneath itself, thereby forming the pocket 14. Where another piece of cloth is used, it may be of the same type or of different material from the central portion 11, using a method of attachment that is sturdy such as glue or stitching. The corner weights 12 may be placed as far out on the edges of the beach towel as is practical, preferably at the periphery 19.

The weighted cover 10 may further include one or more side weights 16 attached to one or more of the sides of the central portion 11. As depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, a side weight 16 may be disposed within a side pocket 18, proximate the periphery 19 at a position along the opposing longer sides of the rectangular beach towel. Each of the side weights 16 may be located just off of the midpoint of the central portion 11 by a distance equivalent to length of each of the side weights 16 to facilitate easy folding of the towel. However, one or more side weights 16 may be placed at additional and/or alternative locations, including along the shorts sides of the towel and at intermediate locations along any portion of the periphery 19. In a preferred embodiment, each of the side weights 16 is of a mass such that the weighted cover 10 is resistant to uplift from wind when located on a surface. As with the corner weights 12, the side weights 16 may comprise a relatively soft heat resistant material, including various rubber materials. The side weights 16 take up little surface area of the beach towel. Likewise, each of the side weights 16 may be affixed to the under side of the central portion 11 by being pocketed in one of the side pockets 18, which may formed from the towel material and/or or another piece of cloth, such as more terry using a method of attachment that is sturdy such as glue or stitching.

FIG. 3 shows a close up cross-section of the position of the corner weight 12 inside the pocket 14. Each of the corner weights 12 may be completely surrounded by the pocket 14 and may be made a permanent fixture of the towel, not to be removed for washing or any other purpose. Each of the corner weights 12 may comprise a dense, soft, heat resistant material such as vulcanized rubber. However, other materials and combinations of materials may be used, for example a rubber coated metal. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, when the weighted cover 10 comprises a rectangular shape, each of the corner weights 12 may comprise the shape of one fourth of a pie with a right angle that may be situated at the corners of the weighted cover 10 to allow for a good fit in relation to each of the corners of the beach towel and in a manner as to not significantly encroach on the users' space. As such, the rounded portion of the corner weight 12 will face the interior of the central portion 11. In a similar manner, where the weighted cover 10 comprises other shapes, the corner weights 12 and/or the side weights 16 may be configured so as to at least partially conform it with the edges, corners, and angles of the periphery 19.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, each of the side weights 16 may also fit inside one or more of the side pockets 18. Each of the side weights 16 may be completely surrounded by the side pocket 18 and may be a permanent fixture on the central portion 11 not to be removed for washing or any other purpose. In a preferred embodiment, each of the side weights 16 comprises a dense, relatively soft, and/or heat resistant material such as vulcanized rubber. Again, other materials and combinations of materials may also be employed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, each of the side weights 16 may be semi-circular in shape with the flat side situated along the periphery 19. As such, the rounded edge of the side weight 16 will face the interior of the central portion 11. In a preferred embodiment, each of the side weights 16 may be situated on the weighted cover 10 in a manner as to not significantly encroach on the users' space.

FIGS. 7-12 depict another embodiment of the weighted cover 20, which, in various embodiments, may comprise a beach towel. In this configuration, punched through each of the corners of the central portion 21, is a corner weight 22. As shown in FIG. 10, each of the corner weights 22 comprise a first portion 22 a, a second portion 22 b and a third portion 23 operatively coupling the first and the second portions 22 a and 22 b. Preferably, each corner weight 22 is of sufficient mass so that the cloth towel is resistant to uplift from wind when in use. With reference to FIG. 9, each of the corner weights 22 can be affixed to the central portion 21 by placing the third portion 23, which may comprise a relatively thin rubber connecting element, through, a hole 28 disposed proximate the periphery 29, securing the corner weight 22 to the central portion 21. The third portion 23 may comprise a cylinder coupled proximate the center of the first and second portions 22 a and 22 b. The third portion 23 may be completely surrounded by the cloth of the central portion and result in the corner weight 22 being a permanent fixture on the towel, not to be removed for washing or any other purpose. The hole 28 may further include a grommet, washer or other feature for reinforcement. As depicted in FIG. 8, the first portion 22 a and the second portion 22 b are opposingly disposed on a first face 25 and a second face 27, respectively, of the weighted cover 20.

Again the corner weights 22 may be comprised of a dense, soft, heat resistant material such as vulcanized rubber. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the first and second portion 22 a and 22 b of each corner weight 22 may comprise two ¼ pie shaped pieces situated on top of each other in alignment, connected by a third portion 23. The corner weights 22 can be situated at the corners of the weighted cover 20, pie wedge outward to allow for a good fit. The rounded portion of the corner weight 22 will face the interior of the central portion. In an embodiment, each of the corner weights 22 may be situated on the towel in a manner as to not significantly encroach on the users' space.

The weighted cover 20 may further optionally include, punched through each side of the central portion 21, located just off of its midpoint by a distance equivalent to its own length, a side weight 26. Each of the side weights 26 may be placed off center to allow for easy folding of the towel. In a preferred embodiment, each of the side weights 26 is of sufficient mass such that the towel is resistant to uplift from wind when in use. Preferably, the side weights 26 comprise a heat resistant and relatively soft rubber material and takes up little area of the weighted cover 20. As depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, and similar to the corner weights 22, each of the side weights 26 comprise a first portion 26 a, a second portion 26k and a third portion 23, operatively coupling the first and the second portions 26 a and 26 b. Each of the side weights 26 may be affixed to the central portion 21 by placing the third portion 23, which may comprise a relatively thin rubber connecting element, through a hole 28. Accordingly, the first portion 26 a and the second portion 26 b are opposingly disposed on the first face 25 and the second face 27, respectively, of the weighted cover 20.

FIGS. 13-18 show yet another embodiment of a weighted cover 30 with a plurality of corner weights 32 and their attachment to the central portion 31. As illustrated, the corner weights 32 comprise an inner portion 33 and a perimeter 34 disposed about the periphery of each of the corner weights 32. The perimeter 34 may comprise a relatively thin but sturdy “lip” that may be used to sew through to affix the weights directly to the towel.

The weighted cover 30 can include one or more side weights 36. FIGS. 17 and 18 depict an embodiment of the side weights 36 that may permanently affixed to the central portion 31. Each of the side weights 36 may be semi-circular in shape with the flat side situated such that it is proximate a periphery 39 of the weighted cover 30. In, turn, the rounded portion of each of the side weights 36 faces the interior of central portion 31. As illustrated, the side weights 36 comprise a side weight interior portion 37 and a side weight perimeter 38 disposed about the periphery of each of the side weights 36. The side weight perimeter 38 may comprise a thin but sturdy “lip” that may be configured to receive one or more connecting elements (not shown) to affix the side weight 36 to the central portion 31. The connecting element may comprise one or more of various features, and in a particular embodiment, comprises a thread that may be sewed to affix each of the side weights 36 directly to the towel via the side weight perimeter 38.

FIGS. 19-23 show another embodiment of a weighted cover 40. The weighted cover may include corner weights 42 attached to a central portion 41 to form the weighted cover 40. As best seen in FIG. 21, each of the corner weights 42 may completely surround a portion of the central portion 41 at the corners. Similar to a clamp, each of the corner weights 42 may be affixed to the central portion 41 to be a permanent fixture on the cover or towel, not to be removed for washing or any other purpose. Each of the corner weights 42 may be in the shape of one fourth of a pie with a substantially right angle that can be situated in the corner of the central portion 41 to allow for a good fit with the corner. The rounded portion of the corner weight 42 will face the interior of the central portion 41. In this embodiment, each of the corner weights 12 include an opening 43. The opening 43 is disposed along one or more lateral edges of the corner weight 42 and extends into at least a portion of the interior of the corner weight 42, forming a slot therein. The opening 43 is configured to accept insertion of a portion of the central portion 41. The corner weight 42 may further include, for example, along the rounded edge, a perimeter 44 to allow for a connecting clement, for example, stitching, to pass through the corner weight 42 for attachment to central portion 41, thereby permanently affixing the corner weight 42 to the weighted cover 40. One of the corner weights 42 may be affixed over each corner of the weighted cover 10 by inserting a portion of the central portion 41 into the opening 43 and affixing it using a method of attachment that is sturdy such as glue or stitching. Alternatively, or in addition to glue or stitching, the corner weight 42 may be deformably compressed to clamp the corner weight 42 about the central portion 41 inserted in the opening 43.

Each of the side weights 46 may optionally be affixed to the weighted cover 40. Each of the side weights 46 may be semi-circular in shape with the flat side situated along a periphery 49 of the central portion 41. The rounded portion of each of the side weights 46 will face the interior of the central portion 41. As depicted in FIGS. 22 and 23, each of the side weights 46 include an opening 47 along a lateral edge and extending into the interior of the side weight 46. The side weight 46 in this embodiment may further comprise a perimeter 48 disposed along at least a portion of the periphery, preferably the rounded edge, to allow for stitching or other connecting element to pass through or connect the side weight 46 and the central portion 41. The perimeter 48 may comprise a thin but sturdy “lip” that may be used to sew through to affix the each of the side weights 46 directly to the towel. Similarly, the side weight 46 may be deformably compressed to clamp the side weight 46 about the central portion 41 inserted in the opening 47.

The weighed cover 10, 20, 30 and 40 may include any, all or various combinations of the embodiments of the corner weights and the side weights described above. Further, the various configurations of the corner weights and side weights described herein are merely exemplary. Alternative configurations of the corner weights and the side weights and modifications thereto may be constructed to and are within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the weighted cover 10, 20, 30 and 40 may comprise other articles, for example a tablecloth or other cover intended for outdoor use. Still further, the weighted cover 10, 20, 30 and 40 may be applicable to various indoor environments, such as floor covers, child play mats, and other applications. In one or more of the present embodiments, at least a portion of the weighted cover may comprise a material that is substantially resistant to liquids making the weighted cover 10, 20, 30 or 40 effective as a tablecloth, child play mat, etc. Additionally, at least a portion of the weighted cover may be substantially resistant to wear, abrasion, stain, discoloration, etc. to suit the particular applications of the weighted cover 10, 20, 30 or 40.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A weighted cover for outdoor use, comprising: a cover defining a first face, a second face and a periphery, the cover comprising a substantially absorbent material, at least a portion of one of the first face and the second face selectively positionable on a surface; a plurality of weights operatively connected to the cover proximate the periphery; one or more pockets formed proximate the periphery, each of the pockets configured to retain at least one of the plurality of weights and to permanently affix the plurality of weights to the cover, wherein the plurality of weights substantially prevent uplift of the cover from the surface as a result of wind impinging on the cover.
 2. The weighted cover of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a washable beach towel.
 3. The weighted cover of claim 1, wherein the periphery defines a substantially rectangular shape.
 4. The weighted cover of claim 3, wherein the plurality of weights are disposed proximate each of the corners of the cover.
 5. The weighted cover of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of weights defines about one quarter of a circle, and wherein the arcuate edge of each of the plurality of weights is orientated toward the interior of the cover.
 6. The weighted cover of claim 4, further comprising at least one additional weight disposed between two of the corners proximate the periphery.
 7. The weighted cover of claim 1, wherein the plurality of weights comprise a heat resistant and relatively soft material.
 8. A weighted beach towel, comprising: a rectangular fabric defining a first face, a second face and a periphery, the fabric comprising a substantially absorbent material; a corner weight permanently affixed to the towel at each of the corners disposed on at least one of the first face and the second face, each of the corner weights comprising a relatively soft, heat resistant material, wherein the corner weights substantially prevent uplift of the beach towel from a surface.
 9. The weighted beach towel of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of side weights permanently affixed to the periphery along at least a portion of at least one of the sides of the beach towel.
 10. The weighted beach towel of claim 9, wherein each of the side weights defines about one-half of a circle, and wherein the arcuate edge of each of the side weights opposes the periphery.
 11. The weighted beach towel of claim 8, wherein each of the corner weights comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion operatively coupled to the first portion and the second portion, wherein the third portion is captured in an opening disposed in the fabric, and wherein the first portion is disposed opposite the first face and the second portion is disposed opposite the second face.
 12. The weighted beach towel of claim 8, wherein each of the corner weights further include an opening configured to receive a portion of the fabric, and wherein a portion of the weight is disposed on the second face.
 13. The weighted beach towel of claim 8, wherein at least one the corner weights further comprises a lip disposed about a least a portion of its perimeter, the lip configured to receive a connecting element, the connecting element coupled to the fabric and the lip in order to secure the corner weight to the fabric.
 14. A weighted cover, comprising: a washable surface defining an interior and a periphery, the surface configured to cover at least a portion of one of an object and the ground; a plurality of weights permanently affixed to the surface, the plurality of weights affixed proximate the periphery and spaced apart such that the weighted cover is resistant to wind induced uplift, each of the plurality of weights characterized by an arcuate portion orientated toward the interior, and further characterized by a lip configured to receive a connecting element to permanently affix the weight to the washable surface.
 15. The weighted cover of claim 14, wherein the weighted cover defines a plurality of corners, and wherein the plurality of weights comprise a corner weight disposed at each of the plurality of corners and at least one side weight disposed proximate the periphery between two of the plurality of corners.
 16. The weighted cover of claim 15, further comprising a pocket disposed at each of the plurality of corners and attached to the surface, the pocket configured to retain one of the plurality of weights.
 17. The weighted cover of claim 14, wherein the connecting element comprises stitching.
 18. The weighted beach towel of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of weights comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion operatively coupled to the first portion and the second portion, and wherein the third portion is captured in an opening disposed in the fabric.
 19. The weighted beach towel of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of weights further include an opening configured to receive a portion of the fabric, and wherein a portion of the weight is disposed on the surface. 